MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE (CELCC)
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Lac-Beauchamp Park Conservation Plan - Recommendation
Geneviève Michon and Audrey-Anne Brûlé, ecological project coordinators for the Ecological Transition Service of the Ville de Gatineau, present the conservation plan for Parc du Lac-Beauchamp for the purpose of a recommendation. The context is presented by the Service management which specifies that the objective is precisely to obtain a recommendation from the CELCC regarding this conservation plan in order to move this file forward to the municipal council in June, subject to all reservations. It is highlighted that Parc du Lac-Beauchamp is one of the two ecoterritories of the Ville de Gatineau and that a conservation plan is a document that proposes guidelines to preserve, restore, and enhance a natural place, such as this park. The vision, structure, orientations, and conservation priorities are presented.
Benoît Delage leaves the meeting at 4:46 p.m. The quorum is maintained. Benoît Delage connects to the meeting online at 4:48 p.m.
Period of exchanges General comments Thanks are addressed for the clarity of the plan, the visual (infographic), and the identification of relevant and achievable actions. This is a beautiful example of a project for which the Commission played a complete role and was well used (information, orientation, and recommendation stages). The approach used which integrates all the other plans of the Service is highlighted. It is mentioned that it is important to adopt the presented plan now even if the conservation targets are not yet specified. This will allow the different teams, including that of the Recreation, Sports and Community Development Service (SLSDC), to make informed decisions. One of the concerns raised by the members is to ensure that means are put in place and a clear schedule is established allowing to intervene, avoid, and prevent the decisions of others that could harm the protection and conservation of Parc du Lac-Beauchamp. The example of permitted or non-permitted leisure activities is discussed. The Service explains proposing to the municipal council and seeking a decision from it so that the conservation plan is integrated and in symbiosis with the Master Plan of the SLSDC. Collaborative work is already underway between the teams to this effect.
Next steps There is a desire to know if the plan will again be presented to the Commission when the targets have been identified. The Service takes note of this request and mentions that at this moment, the CELCC is in its second and last year of the current work plan and that it will depend on the content of the next work plan although it is plausible, subject to all reservations. The Service also mentions that the process aims to officially integrate into the Master Plan of the SLSDC. Both services work in intrinsic collaboration. This work will begin more in the fall. A governance committee will also be formalized soon.
Land acquisition A question is asked concerning the acquisition of land in a limited budgetary context (action 26). There is a desire to understand how the City can work on the acquisition of land otherwise while remaining realistic about its limited financial capacities. One wonders if the current wording offers this latitude in order to find innovative means of acquisition or cohabitation uses. There is a desire for the means to acquire the land to be specified or for how the protection or cohabitation uses of the territory will be proposed to be specified. The Service explains that their wish would be to acquire the land, because it is more difficult to change the regulation when they are private property. One of the planned actions is to integrate the park planning into the tools provided by urban planning. The example of the process of the Regional Plan for Wetlands and Watercourses (PRMHH) is put forward. Beyond acquisition by "purchase", several options will be discussed. Different mechanisms will be put forward including: donations to the City or in conservation to conservation organizations, etc. The flexibility of the solutions will allow varying the diverse strategies and adapting them. A member highlights the duality of conservation issues and the rights of owners which are also to be respected. Parc du Lac-Beauchamp is an ecoterritory and different provisions also apply to it.
Research A member wonders if a communication plan is in place to communicate with the universities targeted for research? The Service specifies that this is what it wishes. It is planned to verify which of the universities are interested and interesting to start or continue collaborations with the Ville de Gatineau. UQO, UQAM, and other universities are mentioned. The contacts are existing and it is enough to equip oneself for the rest. It is also mentioned that the park site is also interesting for geological research.
Presence of protected turtles An intervention by a member concerns the presence of protected turtles and the public dissemination or not of sensitive information concerning these threatened species. Everything is compared to federal rules where directives are in place not to share specific information publicly on this subject. Has the City thought about it so as not to spread the word about their presence? It seems there is a black market and that turtles are highly sought after for harvesting. The Service specifies that within the framework of the study, it is planned to make an inventory of the turtles and to align with what is or is not communicated to the federal government. The disclosure guidelines will be consistent.
Rapibus One asks if the Rapibus route is taken into consideration regarding the impact of the road network (salt) identified in the plan? The Service responds that it is the main access roads that have been taken into consideration for the moment. The Rapibus is managed independently on this question. The impact studied is mainly that of the roads near the lake and watercourses. However, the arrival of the Rapibus and the connectivity of the bike path to this site are positively highlighted.
"Integrity" and protection zones There is a desire for ecological integrity to be defined. The Service specifies that there are several definitions. For Gatineau, it is the capacity of an ecosystem to maintain its structure, its functions, its biodiversity, its ecological processes in the long term in the face of environmental disturbances. The definition of the STÉ was established according to the desired vision. In response to the question concerning the identification of protection zones in the park, the Service responds that it will be linked to the type of environment according to the results of the ecological studies. They will then be classified and prioritized, there could be types of seasonal protection.
Benoit Delage leaves the meeting at 5:19 p.m. The quorum is maintained. Benoit Delage joins the meeting at 5:21 p.m.
Governance Currently, the Service highlights that there are two governance models: that of Forêt Boucher (management model by the organization - Forêt Boucher) and that of Parc du Lac-Beauchamp (internal management model of the City - traditional). The STÉ specifies being currently in collaboration with internal services and listening to park users. The chair asks if the governance committee would be able to make difficult decisions, if necessary. The Service responds that yes, and this has already happened. The example of beach closures is part of the difficult decisions and measures that have already taken place in the past.
Support capacity of the environment A member wishes to better understand the meaning, for the City, of the notion of "support capacity of the environment". Within the framework of the Lac-Beauchamp conservation plan, reference is made to the support capacity of the ecosystem environment and an evaluation of permitted activities that will be studied. It is mentioned that this is very difficult to do and that the Service should perhaps think about targeting the evaluations.
RECOMMENDATION CELCC-2025-01 The Commission on the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change recommends that the municipal council adopt the orientations, objectives, and actions of the 2025-2029 Parc du Lac-Beauchamp Conservation Plan.
Proposed by François PH Lapointe Supported by Alicia Lacasse-Brunet Adopted
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Public question period
Several members of the public are attending the meeting. One intervention is read by the chair and three other people intervene.
1- First question: Ms. Gabrielle, ambassador of the Mission Monarque for Gatineau/Aylmer – Question read by the chair The intervention concerns the protection of monarchs. The text was submitted by email by Ms. Gabrielle. This text states the impact of certain collective actions on the protection and survival of monarch butterflies. The life cycle of monarchs is explained. Upon arriving in the territory, monarchs (which have only 3-5 weeks of life) will lay their eggs on milkweed plants (perennial plants in abundance in Gatineau). It is specified that a butterfly can lay several eggs, but usually only one per plant in order to have enough leaves to feed the caterpillar. It is indicated that it is essential to ensure that milkweeds can grow throughout the summer. The example of the cutting of these plants along Les Allumettières in 2024 is raised. Ms. Gabrielle highlights in her letter the reflection to be had collectively to protect these monarch butterflies. For example, she wishes for a reflection to be conducted in connection with the necessity or not of cutting these milkweed plants in their entirety at the level of the ditches. She asks if it would be possible to identify and implement a pilot project to better protect monarchs as is the case for bees in Gatineau.
Simon Nadeau joins the meeting at 3:40 p.m.
Exchanges or comments It is indicated that [the members] are touched and concerned by this message. There is a desire to know if it is possible to delay the cutting in Gatineau. The Service specifies that steps and actions are underway to protect monarchs and bees. Discussions are taking place with the municipal services involved. It is explained that there are imperatives regarding the type of parks chosen and their use. Sometimes these are municipal territories and other times, land belonging to a third party such as those of the ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ). The chair informs the Service that several elected colleagues would also like to do more regarding the "No Mow May" initiative. The Service specifies that although certain operational elements must be taken into consideration by the teams regarding mowing, there is a clear intention to gradually increase the planned set-aside zones. It is also explained that annually, a collaboration takes place with the Public Works Service (STP) on the question of the choice of set-aside sites. The Service thus takes note of Ms. Gabrielle's request and mentions being open to good ideas in order to reduce mowing zones or even not to mow certain places. For information, the Service specifies that as part of the biodiversity action plan, the City is deploying actions to protect monarchs. It has also recently received confirmation of obtaining the "Silver" Monarch Friendly City certification. The campaign for pollinators also includes butterflies. To this end, a distribution of seeds took place recently. This includes milkweed seeds. Citizens are invited to sow more as part of this campaign because of their importance for biodiversity. Note that there is great interest in these seeds which are available at all service points. At present, more than 10,000 packets have been distributed and more distribution sites will be identified for next year. The City also has several flower beds and showcases for pollinators. Awareness kiosks are also set up during the summer. On the other hand, the City collaborates with the University of Ottawa for certain related projects. Finally, the pesticide bylaw also contributes to protecting monarchs. An official declaration concerning the decline of monarchs took place at the municipal council in 2023. It is recalled that 311 is the gateway to inform the City of different situations or to communicate with the City.
2- Second question: Renée Amyot, president of the Association des résidents du district de Limbour – virtual participation The intervention concerns the presence of deer in the Limbour district. Renée Amyot would like to know more about the City's plans concerning the deer problem in connection with municipal responsibility (biodiversity and portrait of existing natural environments). She would also like to know if data is compiled (density, trends, its impact on biodiversity, inventories) concerning the number and presence of deer in Gatineau and if the City has a plan to fill the knowledge gaps about them? She points out that current plantings (reforestation) are threatened by their presence. A full text is read during the intervention and can be transmitted to the members following the meeting.
Exchanges or comments The Service thanks Renée Amyot for her intervention. It is specified that this is the first time it has heard specifically about the overpopulation of deer in the Limbour district. The City wants to equip itself with a proactive management tool for nuisance species (e.g., cervids and geese). The problem raised will be presented to the Service team. A reflection will be made concerning the question and the possibilities of interventions. An analysis of the situation and the proposal of action paths are desired. Following these, a follow-up will be done with the Association des Résidents de Limbour. For her part, Renée Amyot will provide the Service with the text of her intervention which is well documented. The chair thanks Ms. Amyot again and congratulates the involvement of citizens and local organizations. A member wishes to highlight the possible issue of connectivity and the recognition of ecological corridors. It is specified that it is important to understand why the deer are in this district and where they should go according to the ecological corridors. Renée Amyot specifies that the ecological corridors are very present in the district and that there are few breaks. The availability of resources is encouraging and facilitating.
3- Third question: Chantal Pelletier – Gatineau sans pesticides – in-person participation The intervention concerns the application of the bylaw concerning the sale and outdoor application of pesticides. It is highlighted that the bylaw concerning the sale and outdoor application of pesticides of the Ville de Gatineau is still new and that it is only since May 1, 2025, that contractors must comply with it. The Ecological Transition Service mentions that an analysis will be done after the first season of application of the bylaw. In connection with the obligation for contractors to transmit a register of the pesticides they use to the City, Chantal Pelletier would like to have clarifications regarding the data that will be collected and how this information will be shared with the population of Gatineau. She also asks if, in addition to this data, the number and nature of the infractions will be counted and communicated and if the information obtained in the analysis of the 2025 season will be the subject of a report for the public.
Exchanges or comments The Service thanks Ms. Pelletier for her intervention. It is specified that a report will be filed at one of the Commission's meetings. This should also proceed to the municipal council, subject to all reservations. The status of the application will be included and will involve the number of data, the main findings, information about merchants, the number of requests, interventions, the reach of the message, etc. This report will have a public scope. However, there is no date identified for the moment nor frequency, the whole thing is under evaluation by the Service. It specifies that it will also analyze the changes made within the framework of the Quebec management code which is under revision in order to compile this data in the report. The team's objective is still to be able to proceed with an annual evaluation, if possible.
4- Fourth question: Monique Bisson, Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP) – in-person participation The intervention concerns the pesticide bylaw in connection with a request made by GSP concerning the prohibition of the use of the herbicide dicamba. Ms. Bisson asks the City to focus the bylaw on a list of authorized pesticides rather than relying on a list of prohibited pesticides. The question asked is the following: "Are you ready to support our proposal so that the pesticide bylaw is based solely on a list of pesticides that would be limited to biopesticides and low-impact pesticides?". It is also indicated that a new name has appeared on the market of pesticides used in the territory, "dithiopyr", an herbicide just as toxic as dicamba and used in neighborhood streets on lawns. On July 6, 2025, this will appear in the list of prohibited active ingredients.
Exchanges or comments The Service thanks Monique Bisson for renewing their request and takes note of the elements concerning the white list as well as the new pesticides. GSP informs the City of the updated use of the term "biopesticides or low-impact pesticides" instead of the initial formulation "white list". The Service takes good note of the intervention and will analyze the request in order to return, when possible, to the commission on this subject. The Service specifies that the modification of the management code catches them off guard. The team will seek the necessary information in order to be aligned with the future requirements of the Code de gestion des pesticides du Québec. A member wishes to reiterate that the Commission has looked at the question of the pesticide bylaw at length and that it has recommended the white list. Since there will be a regulatory modification to come (Quebec), it could be wise to look at it again quickly. This bylaw will be a minimum to reach, although it would be preferable for the City to go further. The chair thanks GSP and invites its members to follow the work of the CELCC closely.
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Revision of the Ecological Transition Service grant programs – Consultation and orientation
Frédéric Vandal, director of the STE, summarizes the presentation concerning the revision of the grant programs. The objective sought by this presentation is to consult the members on the approach of the new environmental grant program. It is, in a first step, to collect the ideas of the members and to engage a discussion facilitating the orientation of the work. It is also by the same token to revise the municipal policy (PO-052) on the use and management of the Green Fund. The context, the consultation process, and the results of it are presented. The Service explains that the members of the CELCC will be able to transmit other comments or suggestions to the committee and commission team via the generic email [email protected] following the meeting and that these will be compiled by the Service. A follow-up will be done at another meeting, subject to all reservations.
One of the highlights of the consultative process of eco-actions is the participation of more than 500 citizens in the questionnaire, which demonstrates an enthusiasm for the subject. In parallel to this, the Service was able to conclude quickly that the two supports offered by the City are the least popular with citizens. The population demonstrates a new interest towards energy-efficient renovation and rain barrels, among others. Different trends are identified, the City is a precursor in the proposed approach. The grants are interconnected with the objectives of the Service so that the efforts are aligned with the targets of these plans in ecological transition.
Jessy Desjardins joins the meeting at 5:52 p.m.
Period of exchanges General comments The great listening on the part of the City and the constructive exchanges are highlighted. It is mentioned that the posture of the Ville de Gatineau has changed since 10 years and that the organizations are seen and recognized as true partners. There is great consideration of the organizations that can notably help to contribute to projects and exchanges of ideas. A point of vigilance is named; that of maintaining agility and having the dexterity to react well to opportunities or even to be able to refuse to grant funding when the alignment is no longer there. It is necessary to ensure that the reason for the funding is measured against the mission and the relevance of the organizations funded according to the established objectives. This takes decision-making courage.
Eco-actions: It is mentioned that there are many external programs funding types of eco-actions. The question is to be in phase and not to duplicate what already exists. It is necessary to be able to give impulse and to be at the right moment where others are not. It is necessary to ensure that the right thing is funded and to know how to be effective.
Degraded environment One wonders what degraded environments mean. Do we have a map to allow identifying them? The Service mentions that it is planned that degraded environments will be defined within the framework of the Biodiversity Plan. There will probably be several levels.
Funding of small projects We see that the support offered responds in part to a request. However, one wonders if there would not be a place to fund the limit of small projects more. It is possible to do much more with a little more money. Another solution proposed would be to index the amount over time so as not to be static.
Component 4 One wonders why component 4 is not represented on page 26. A question is asked to know what proportion the City is ready to fund this? Should what is a regulatory obligation really be funded? A reflection is necessary on this subject. One also raises a contradiction in connection with fireplaces and their ban within the framework of eco-actions. The Service takes good note of it. Component 4 was not specified since it will be determined according to the scale of the list of requests submitted. The budgetary issue is present. This is not mentioned, because an analysis is underway. The strategy is to combine the different budgets provided for grants related to the Service's action plans. Budgetary questions are not presented in commission. A member highlights that the key is to have a clear framework and priorities linked to the action plans and to find a balance between the measures that we must fund while having the most impacts. It is also necessary to give oneself the means to bring people further by taking them where they are, hence the importance of encouraging eco-actions too.
Components A discussion follows regarding the differences between the components presented. 1 is seen as an institutional approach with large partners whose mission is aligned with the objectives of the Ville de Gatineau. Components 2 and 3 are similar. One asks to specify the difference or even to make a single component with those. Small projects seem too small. The transactional cost will possibly not give the expected results according to some. One raises that there are other funds at the Ville de Gatineau that could support very small projects. It is mentioned that the Green Fund should be kept for organizations with high capacity to deliver. A member proposes to keep the Green Fund for structuring projects. One proposes to adjust the minimum bar from $5,000 to $10,000 for small projects. The management capacity is questioned since this seems ambitious. The Service explains that components 2 and 3 will align according to the organizational priorities of the Service. We congratulate the City for the evaluation approach. Indicators will allow evaluating the programs to ensure that we are always relevant.
Big cleanup It is mentioned that it is better to invest in prevention than repair. Two paths of solutions or reflections are brought: that of improving access to ecocentres and that of facilitating the rapid cleaning of illegal waste deposits to avoid that these become immense dumps, etc.
Impacts It is desired that the funded actions have the most impacts possible. The members like the proposal and the openness to innovation. It is specified that sometimes, when there is so much flexibility, it is necessary to be a little more directive in order to better guide people in the program. An elected member would have liked to receive comments and be able to see the analysis of other cities that are the most innovative in this field. It could be interesting that the funding also covers projects that are not taken care of by the Service (complementary component). Congratulations are addressed to the City for the simplification of the program and the consultation with citizens which had very beautiful benefits and great participation. It is mentioned that nearly all the grant requests for the school component were made in accompaniment by environmental organizations that delegate people to support the organization of the requests. One asks if we will be able to adjust according to new funding or funding coming from Quebec or the federal government. The Service tries to develop this approach in order to have external financial levers.
Accompaniment by an internal expert It is mentioned that it is worth indicating what is the bank of hours available to help the organizations and the projects that will be chosen. It is also necessary that the projects be compatible with the municipal action plans. Quantifying the number of hours of accompaniment will allow better planning the scale of the support and which services could be solicited. A note is taken to this effect for reflection and analysis.
Next steps There will be exchanges by email until the next meeting. An information point will be added to one of the meetings. The other services will be consulted to develop collaborations. The development of administrative aspects will take place and the adoption process will follow its course.
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Quorum check and opening of the meeting
The chair notes the quorum and opens the meeting at 3:31 p.m. in a hybrid and public mode. The meeting is recorded for broadcast on the Ville de Gatineau website. This is the fourth meeting of the year.
The departure of Daniel Dezainde, an organizational member from the economic community, coming from Les Jardins du Souvenir, is highlighted. A word of thanks is addressed to him regarding his commitment and participation in the Commission's work.
At the same time, the presence of Inès Bosse-Thompson, who completed her mandate last April as a citizen member of the CELCC, is highlighted. A thank you is also addressed to her for her involvement, participation, and contribution as a representative of "youth" issues in the environment. Ms. Bosse-Thompson speaks to talk about her enriching experience and her future projects.
The chair reminds everyone that it is always possible to consult the webcasts of committees and commissions at gatineau.ca and that the documentation presented by the municipal teams is also online.
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Adoption of the agenda
It is proposed by Anik Des Marais Supported by Lise Filiatrault And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda as presented.
Adopted
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Declaration of conflict of interest
No member declares a conflict of interest in connection with the items on the agenda.
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Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the public meeting of April 17, 2025
Previously [reviewed] by the members, [the minutes are] filed and available on the City's website. No follow-up is required.
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Success stories / Environment and ecological transition
The members are invited to share news or a success story concerning the subjects treated in the Commission. This is a moment to highlight some initiatives, projects, or to bring a positive look at current events.
Wetlands – Limbour district A member indicates having received initial funding to carry out the study of Ruisseau Desjardins in Limbour. The rehabilitation of wetlands has slightly begun.
Documentary A member explains having participated and collaborated in a documentary filmed in Denmark concerning landscape architects and land use planning. The subject concerned, among other things, the analysis of bioretention techniques in public spaces and squares. This country is one of the places where there is a very low GHG consumption. One of the reasons is the favorable land use planning. A presentation of a portion of this documentary will be offered on June 19 in the evening at Espace Caneva and the members of the CELCC are welcome.
Monarch Friendly City certification and other success stories of the STÉ On one hand, the Service highlights having received the "Silver" Monarch Friendly City municipal certification. Note that the work for the deployment of actions aimed at protecting monarchs and obtaining other certifications in Gatineau continues. On the other hand, the Service informs the members that it has reached the target of planting 10,000 trees out of a goal of 14,000 on municipal land. This target is in line with the objective of reaching approximately 30% canopy per community on the territory of the city of Gatineau. Finally, it is mentioned that the reorganization of the STÉ was adopted at the municipal council in April and that the ongoing staffing processes will allow for increasing the pace and the realization of measures within the framework of the ecological transition action plans.
Écofête A member invites the CELCC to participate in the Écofête of the Association pour l’environnement de Limbour. This is an opportunity to inform the population on different subjects in ecology and environment. The event will take place on June 14, at Parc René-Lévesque in the Gatineau sector.
Habitat-Nature A member invites the Commission to take note of the site "management of natural infrastructures" at the following link: Gestion des infrastructures naturelles : une nouvelle approche pour optimiser la résilience urbaine — Habitat
Emblematic bird A survey is underway to choose an emblematic bird in Gatineau. The public and the members of the CELCC are invited to participate and vote in large numbers. This consultation is very popular.
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Revision of the 'Grand ménage' formula - Information
The information point concerning the revision of the 'Grand ménage' formula will be forwarded to the members by correspondence (email) due to a lack of time to report on it during this meeting.
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Next meeting
The members were notified of the calendar of the next meetings, of which the next is scheduled for June 19, 3 p.m. It is brought to the attention of the members that an invitation will also be sent to them to participate in an expanded consultation commission of the Territory and Housing Development Commission (CDTH) on June 11, by videoconference concerning the Action Plan of the Regional Plan for Wetlands and Watercourses (PRMHH). This meeting has been added to the planning calendar.
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Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by François PH Lapointe Supported by Anik Des Marais And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
Adopted